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Centre for Dynamic Imaging

Zeiss Lightsheet Z.1

The Zeiss Lightsheet Z.1 microscope offers scientists the opportunity to image large 3D objects that would be impossible or far too time consuming to analyse on traditional microscopes.

With the Zeiss Z.1 system scientists can utilise a developing technology to acquire large volumetric data sets of 3D structures.

Unlike traditional widefield and confocal microscopes, the Z.1 utilises a ‘sheet’ of light shone through the sample and the image is then detected perpendicular to the lightsheet.

The Z.1 system is intended for fluorescently labelled samples (both endogenous and antibody labelled). It also has the capability of acquiring a bright-field reference image.

The system comes with a number of specific imaging chambers, however sample preparation and mounting are very flexible. This allows for a wide range of sample types to be imaged.

This microscope provides scientists with the ability to image large ‘cleared’ samples to a much greater depth and at faster speeds than has previously been possible.

Hardware

Light sources

  • 405, 445, 488, 514, 561 and 638 nm lasers
  • Bright field LED illumination

Detection source

  • 2 x PCO.Edge sCMOS 16-bit camera
Objective magnification5x20x20x
Immersion mediaAirWaterClarity
XY-resolution (µm)2.220.740.42
Working distance (mm)18.52.45.6
NA0.161.01.0
Above: To image this whole lymph node in 3D, the organ was rendered optically transparent to permit a better penetration of the light for fluorescence microscopy imaging. Credit: Fanny Lafouresse and Verena Wimmer
Above: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has a dedicated insectary to assist with development of tools to stop malaria. Credit: Qike Wang and Julie Healer

Technological specifications (capabilities)

Available modalities

  • Z-stack
  • Time-series
  • Multi-view (rotation)

Additional options

  • Tile scan possible through use of external macro

Limitations

  • Resolution limited in Z to lightsheet thickness
  • Tile scan and multi-view unable to be set up together
Above: Auto fluorescence of an ant. Credit: Verena Wimmer
Above: Auto fluorescence of a worm. Credit: Verena Wimmer
Contact us

Contact the Centre for Dynamic Imaging to book equipment or discuss imaging collaborations.